By David Freeze
What does a race director do and how to be a good one?
In Rowan County, we have 32 races scheduled for this year and add to that a bunch of middle school and high school cross country races too. All of these must have someone who organizes them and is the final decision maker. I spent the late morning on Wednesday measuring and marking the 5K course for Saturday’s Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run, all held to help fund the South Rowan area Bible teachers. Lynn Furr is one of those good race directors, and she went along to make sure the course was right.
Race directors have a long list of things to do, in fact SRR shares a couple lists of to- do guidelines. Race planning usually starts 4-5 months ahead of the event. The first things done are to name the race, set a date, secure a course and start finding major sponsors. Hopefully the aspiring race director has plenty of help in the first year, especially when all of these things are new. If the race has been held before, most of these major tasks are ready to go, especially if the race met participant and proceed expectations during the previous year.
Then comes the second round of tasks which include getting the basic race information out by posting to runsignup.com, the major race registration vehicle currently available. As the second tier of sponsors are secured, they are added on all registration websites and social media. At this point, social media becomes a big place to share what is unique about the event. Shirt colors are chosen, and shirt size amounts are ordered. Awards are ordered and made. A printer for the shirts is secured and will wait for artwork and graphics which are also underway at this time. Race logo and date go on the front, and sponsors on the back, but the shirt is not printed usually until about a week before the race date.
Then it is time to start on the third tier of to-do’s. Tentative plans then become real with police and fire departments and a slew of volunteers who work the course on race day. At that point, volunteers to work registration, finish line, pick up refreshments and other day of event duties are secured and assigned. Porta johns arrive. Race bibs are prepared the night before, shirts are divided by size and last-minute contacts with police or fire take place, and race day is ready to go.
On race day, registration starts things rolling early while the course is set up. Participants and volunteers arrive and action ramps up. Good race directors either manage or delegate pre-race activities like the National Anthem and prayer. The race absolutely must start on time after participant instructions. When it does, the scene shifts to the finish line. Runners and then the walkers finish, awards and door prizes are given way. Then breaking down and packing up completes the event.
A good race director doesn’t do all these things, but he or she makes sure they get done. It is truly a load of work that for most races lasts about four months, building in intensity to race day. In fact, most good race directors celebrate with a good afternoon nap.
A successful race director is personable and people like working for and with them. This person can handle multiple talks and incoming details that make each day faster until race day is done. They manage time well too and prioritize with the best. And finally, they take the time to improve their practices, often by learning from other races and experienced race directors,
Speaking of race directors, Tab McAllister manages the Sisters in the Fight 5K and Fun Run, set for 8:45am at Overton Elementary School on September 26th. McAllister says, “All 5K proceeds will directly impact local families in crisis. Every step you take, and every dollar raised will help us provide food, clothing, household essentials, emergency support, and help supplement the cost of medication for those battling cancer and heart disease. Together, we can ensure that no woman or child faces their vulnerable moments alone. Every step makes a difference!”
SRR’s Beginning Runners Class is off to a great start, and participants can still join on Tuesday. Look for these and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
